In announcing Forte's death, Assistant Police Commissioner for the Southern Queensland Police Region, Tony Wright said: "It is with great sadness that I announce the death of a serving police officer, Senior Constable Brett Forte from the Tactical Crimes Squad.

"At approximately 2 o'clock this afternoon, police observed a person of interest. The person of interest drove down the range from Toowoomba, police followed him into an area, the person of interest alighted from his vehicle away from where the police officers were and opened fire on the police vehicles.

"Unfortunately in this time, Brett Forte lost his life. Other police officers were able to remove Brett away and extract themselves from the scene."

Commissioner Stewart also commented on the tragic death, saying "We will miss Brett deeply" and that authorities are now looking towards resolving the matter by apprehending the suspected gunman.

"Today is a very very sad day for the Queensland Police Service. We've lost a fine officer and our condolences and thoughts and love are with his wife, his children, his family and of course his colleagues," he said,

"We will miss Brett deeply and our job now is to make sure that we resolve the current operational issue without further loss of life and certainly that operation is ongoing."

Earlier, police locked down the area, saying "the incident is still unfolding". Members of the public were being advised to avoid the area surrounding Wallers Road, Forestry Road, Ringwood Road and Fords Road.

"An armed man remains outstanding and specialist police are responding. Local residents are being advised to remain inside," police said.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk also offered her condolences for the family and friends of the officer in a statement.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the officer killed while carrying out his duties protecting our community in the Lockyer Valley today," she said.

"Every day, the brave officers of the Queensland Police Service put their lives on the line when they go to work. Each of us should be immensely grateful for the work they do."

Queensland Minister for Police called the officer "a hero" in a statement and paid tribute to his service.

"My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues of the Queensland Police Service officer who was tragically killed this afternoon while doing his job selflessly serving the people of Queensland," the statement said.